STATE WIDE–You are being warned about chronic kidney disease and the need to be checked, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. People in Indiana have a high prevalence of both, said Dr. Griffin Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
“You’re more likely to develop chronic kidney disease if you have diabetes,” said Rodgers. “Nearly one in three people with diabetes has chronic kidney disease.”
Rodgers said the second leading cause is high blood pressure, or hypertension.
“In the State of Indiana hypertension has a prevalence of about 35 percent, which ranks you at 15th highest state in the U.S.,” he said.
Indiana is about 17th highest for diabetes, with about one in ten Hoosiers having either Type I or Type II.
“You can imagine with having that high prevalence of risk factors, that puts your population at a greater risk of having chronic kidney disease.”
The consequences of the disease include eventually having to go on dialysis, if it’s not controlled, and the risk of death.
“When you see your health care provider ask whether you’ve been tested for kidney disease, two simple tests, a blood test and a urine test. And, if it’s present, get started on the appropriate therapies.” One of the ways to cut down on the risk is to control your diabetes and maintain optimum blood glucose levels.
Rodgers said if you are at risk, you should also control your sodium intake. Highly processed foods are also not recommended.
He said getting exercise is also a way to prevent ki9dney disease and many other conditions.
“Most adults require about 30 minutes exercise most days of the week, at least five days per week,” he said.
